Beautiful Helena

Helena is the capital of the US state of Montana. The city is also the country seat of Lewis and Clark County. It was founded as a gold camp during the gold rush and was established in 1864.

The State Capitol has a tall dome and perched on the very top is "Lady Liberty". The historic building has impressive granite columns. You can tour the interior including the Old Law Library and the Capital Rotunda, and see the paintings adorning the walls.

Last Chance Gulch is a prosperous area in downtown Helena and the place where the city got its start. Locals like to call it Main Street. There are many storefronts and businesses in the area.

Last Chance Gulch just south of Sixth Street is a landscaped pedestrian mall. You can see many historic buildings and statues.

Centennial Park has both family and canine-friendly attractions. There is plenty of lawn space and baseball fields. A trail system is lined with fitness equipment.

Paws Park is a dog park popular with furry four-footed ones. There are water spigots and benches for owners to take a rest.

Skate Park is great for those with skateboards, rollerblades, and scooters. There is also a simulated rock-climbing boulder.

An iconic landmark Mount Helena is the natural attraction of the city. Above Reeder's Alley, there are trailheads on the neighborhood hillsides. The park encompasses more than 600 acres and several miles of hiking trails. One of the most popular routes is the 1906 Trail leading to the summit for some spectacular views or take the steep Powerline Trail.

Mount Ascension Park is located just across the canyon and has a network of elevated hiking trails.

Reeder's Alley has buildings dating back to the 1870s. It is located in the southwest corner of downtown and gives a look into Helen's past. Today it has modern storefronts, a restaurant, office space, and the Visit Helena Montana office.

The Pioneer Cabin is the oldest registered domicile in the city and is available for public tours.

The Montana Historical Society with large sculptures on the lawn is adjacent to the State Capitol. The society hosts the Montana Museum which features several exhibits and galleries.

Montana Historical Museum has collections detailing the time of Lewis and Clark in Montana and takes a look into the Montana frontier and past pioneers. A large portion of the museum is dedicated to the history and daily lives of the region's indigenous populations.

The original Governor's Mansion is on the National Register of Historic Places near downtown Helena. The mansion was built as a private residence. The three-story Queen Anne mansion began hosting the Governor and his relatives in 1913 and housed nine different families over nearly 50 years. It is open for guided tours between May and September. You can have a look into the life of early 20th-century Montana.

The Cathedral of Saint Helena has twin spires. The Gothic cathedral has gone through restorations. Guided tours are available. The cathedral has lovely stained-glass windows and you can walk around the property along the manicured green grass to truly see the beauty of the building.

Holter Museum is a cultural hub of the city. It hosts regional, national, and international art exhibits. There are various events throughout the year like family trivia nights, fall art walks, and more. You'll find educational programs including classes and workshops for all ages.

Enjoy the Great Northern Carousel in downtown Helena. This is one of the finest carousels in the state. There are 36 hand-carved animals. It is located in a sheltered building.

Next to the carousel, you'll find ExplorationWorks. This is a science museum with rotating exhibits that cover all areas of science and technology. There are also some hands-on exhibits.

Spring Meadow Lake State Park is located on the western edge of the city with great views of Mount Helena. The lake is the central attraction and you can swim, fish, or skate here depending on the season. Non-motorized boating is popular. The park offers free personal flotation device rental. There are shaded areas for picnics overlooking the water. A short nature trail will take you all around the lake and you can spot various wildlife.

Gates of the Mountain is located twenty miles north of Helena and is managed by the Helena National Forest. Meriwether Lewis coined the name during an expedition when he saw how the Missouri River met up with limestone cliffs in this beautiful wilderness area. There are miles of hiking trails and picnic areas to relax and enjoy the view. Boat tours are available.